Avellino – A piece of mountain is sliding away, taking with it not only earth and rock, but the hope of thousands of faithful. It's the landslide that blocked the main access road to the Sanctuary of Montevergine, forcing the indefinite closure of one of Campania's most iconic religious and tourist destinations. A devastating blow to Marian devotion and the local economy.
The painful decision comes directly from the Benedictine community led by Abbot Riccardo Luca Guariglia. An official statement released today announced that the serious landslide has seriously and dangerously compromised the road leading to the sacred mountain, making access impossible and unsafe.
"The holy site will remain closed indefinitely," the statement reads, which makes no secret of the gravity of the situation. The operations to secure the slope will be neither simple nor quick. The monks' estimate, corroborated by initial technical inspections, is clear: it will presumably take until spring 2026 for access to be reopened in complete safety.
A very long period, which suddenly wipes out the traditional crowds associated with the Christmas holidays, the famous "Juta" in January, and the Feast of Candlemas. A void that will weigh not only on the spirit, but also on the local economy, which includes bars, restaurants, shops selling religious items, and accommodations.
In his message, Abbot Guariglia thanked "all the institutions for their special support," a sign that the rescue and civil defense machinery is already in motion. However, the nature of the geological phenomenon requires extensive technical timeframes, including geotechnical studies, planning, and construction in a complex area.
The sanctuary, which houses the Byzantine icon of the Madonna of Montevergine (the "Mamma Schiavona"), a destination of centuries-old pilgrimages, thus finds itself in a paradoxical position: physically present and intact at the summit of Partenio, yet virtually inaccessible. A spiritual island separated from its devotees.
The monastic community assures that all updates on the situation will be provided through official channels, urging patience and prayer as we await better times. Meanwhile, enforced silence will descend on the paths normally trodden by thousands of footsteps, while technicians work against time—and the mountain—to restore one of Campania's most cherished symbols.
EDITORIAL TEAM
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